Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Jim O'Keeffe as ucht an méid atá ráite aige agus as ucht deis a thabhairt dom freagra a thabhairt ar an ábhar tábhachtach seo.

The Government fully recognises the importance of agricultural education and training for the development of the agriculture and food industries. This is reflected in the commitment, contained in the programme for Government, to "invest in our Agricultural Colleges and restructure the environment through which they are supported". Due to its important role in supporting the Government's strategy for the agrifood sector, Teagasc receives substantial Exchequer resources each year to enable it to provide first-class training, research and advisory services. The total funding provided by the Department to Teagasc for non-capital purposes has increased significantly in recent years, from €82 million in 2000 to an average of €137 million in the years 2007 to 2009. While this year's allocation to Teagasc of €132 million is inevitably somewhat less than the previous two years, due to the necessary curtailment of public finances, it is nevertheless a substantial amount and an indication of the Government's continuing commitment to supporting the agrifood sector and recognition of the important role of Teagasc in that regard.

I am glad to say that in recent years we have also been able to provide very substantial extra funding to Teagasc for capital development purposes. This has enabled Teagasc to commence a major capital investment programme with a particular focus on the development of research centres of excellence.

Currently, Teagasc delivers its education and training programme through a network of eight colleges, 80 local Teagasc centres and the Teagasc e-college. It is, of course, entirely a matter for Teagasc and its board to prioritise its activities and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities. In this regard a review of college infrastructure, undertaken for Teagasc by an outside consultancy body, was finalised last year and agreed by the Teagasc authority. Arising from this review the authority will be making decisions on priorities in terms of future capital expenditure.

I understand that Teagasc is fully committed to the development of the college in Clonakilty as a first class educational facility. More than €4 million has been invested in upgrading the student and farm facilities since 2001. Earlier this year the dairy herd from Mellows was transferred to Clonakilty and it is planned to bring the herd up to 200 cows in the near future. It is also planned to carry out a comprehensive applied dairy research programme in conjunction with the Moorepark research centre. This, along with increased utilisation of the facility for extension and demonstration activities, will ensure the viability of Clonakilty and enhance the overall student experience.

I understand that the college currently has a staff complement of five teachers, a principal and three technicians, and that Teagasc is exploring the possibility of redeploying some advisory staff to Clonakilty.

Within the various colleges and at a local level, Teagasc provides a wide range of education and training courses targeted at young people planning to embark on careers in farming, horticulture, in the equine industry or forestry, and adult farmers wishing to acquire a skill set or training in a particular area. Further education and training courses are available in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and horses at the agricultural and horticultural colleges. In addition, higher level education courses in agriculture, horticulture, agribusiness, agricultural mechanisation and equine studies are provided jointly with institutes of technology.

All of Teagasc's education and training programmes are accredited within the national framework under the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. I was pleased to see that there was a very significant increase in college enrolments in the current academic year, which augurs well for the future of the Irish agrifood sector. I am sure that Teagasc will ensure that education and training are provided in the most effective and efficient manner in the years ahead. I am satisfied that Teagasc, with the ongoing support of the Department, can deliver through its integrated research, advisory and education and training programmes, the innovation and technology transfer necessary for the sustainable development of the agrifood sector.

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